Alright, I had never had Peruvian food until a dreamy trip to Half Moon Bay, California. Luckily there was a lot of us together so we ordered like 14 entrees for 7 people and passed plates around. I got to try so many things that I wouldn't have ordered as a meal but wanted to try because of curiosity. This is the best way to try new food, and travel with fellow foodies! So the best way that I can explain Peruvian food is like Mexican and Thai got together, had a wild night, decided they were actually compatible together, and lived happily ever after. So this dish is pretty special! I hope you try it!
Ingredients:
4 yellow bell peppers
1/2 large yellow onion
1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
1 tsp turmeric
1 pound of chicken breasts or tenderloins
chili powder
salt and pepper
olive oil
*You need a blender or for processor*
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cut your bell peppers off the stems, and slice your onions. big chunks are completely fine. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread bell peppers and onion slices. Cut the chicken into smaller strips if you are using breasts. Add the chicken to the cookie sheet with the vegetables. Drizzle everything with olive oil. SALT the chicken only. Sprinkle a little chili powder on those babies too. Roast in the oven for 15-18 minutes.
*Swipe through photos*
Take out of the oven, put the bell peppers and onions into the blender. Add the cashews, parmesan, milk, and turmeric. Blend until smooth. Dice up the chicken into bit sized pieces.
In a medium sauce pan, add the sauce and chicken together on low heat and simmer. Salt to taste!
You can make rice, cauliflower rice, or chili mashed potatoes to serve with.
I made chili smashed potatoes, which is just regular mashed potatoes with grass-fed butter, a little milk, salt, a little chili powder and paprika. Make yourself a little bowl with the mashed potatoes and pile the Peruvian chicken and sauce in. Top with fresh cilantro! It is so delicious! Let me know if you make it! it feeds about 4-6 people! So if you have large family with big eaters, double it!
- Michal